Apple has ensured that HomePod and HomePod mini will be able to play lossless music with Apple Music in a future update. Thus the doubts that revolved around both speakers are cleared up, which join the list of compatible devices. Of course, it is unknown when they will be able to use the lossless format of Apple Music.
HomePod original y HomePod mini, compatibles con Apple Music lossless
With the announcement last week of lossless sound and spatial audio to Apple Music, one of the big questions was what would be the compatible devices. Now in a support document published this Saturday, Apple has dispelled them. Specifically, both HomePods support lossless Apple Music:
The HomePod and HomePod mini currently use AAC to ensure excellent audio quality. Lossless format support will come in a future software update.
This is how the company has indicated that both HomePods will be able to play music in lossless format from Apple Music, without any restriction. However, we do not know the date when it will be like this, the only thing we know is that it will come after the launch of iOS 14.6 and other systems, which enable the format.
In addition to iOS 14.6, which is in an RC version with imminent release, Apple already launched the first beta of iOS 14.7 and other systems last week. It is possible that the tvOS 14.7 beta, the operating system of the HomePod, is the one that brings this format to the speakers.
Bluetooth connections do not support lossless format
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In the same document, Apple has confirmed something that we already suspected: the lossless format of Apple Music cannot be broadcast via bluetooth. All wireless speakers and headphones use one version or another of bluetooth (HomePod connects via Wi-Fi). So not even wireless AirPods or Beats can enjoy this new format.
Apple clarifies that when we have hi-fi playback on the chosen device, the music will also be played on bluetooth headphones. However, will not be heard in lossless format but in the usual. Apple makes this clarification so that users know that they will be able to listen to music, but that they will not do so in the new format.
It remains to be seen whether in the future the bluetooth standard will launch a new version that supports this type of format. Having said that, specific hardware may be required make it compatible. Although there are already those who speculate that a simple new codec could work.
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Fortunately, the Dolby Atmos format responsible for spatial audio is compatible with wireless headphones. All AirPods and Beats with a W1 or H1 chip, as well as others from third parties, are capable of reproducing the surround sound of this format. And they will do so as soon as the respective updates are launched.
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